Yoga brings like minds together

I have never had a truly yoga bonded friends until I attended my Yoga teaching course. I signed alone and went alone. The Universe has a way of bringing like minded people together. I am very fortunate to meet these yogi and yoginis who are so giving, helpful and offered genuine friendship.

Some opened their hearts and trusted us with it. What beauty yoga brings because one of the teachings of Yoga is non- judgement.

For the 4 months, despite the grueling physical demands, we were all so happy when weekend came.

At every stage of my life, I have opened my heart to different group of people. At this stage, it seems to Yoga lovers. I am truly humbled by their willingness to share without expecting anything in return. What a wonderful gift for me.

Breathing my best friend

Breathing is something so precious but yet we take it for granted. 

We awake each morning because we are breathing. Otherwise, we will not be here. However, because breathing is such a part of us that we do not nurture it. Unlike talent, branded things that we have , we keep them in good order, but breathing we assume that it will always be there. Perhaps we have no knowledge about the power of our breath. 

When I was going through puberty and my breasts were growing, I always find breathing difficult and I wondered why? The same thing happened to my daughter. That was the initial awareness of breathing for me. Any changes in our anatomy and physiology do affect our breathing.

As I grow! I became aware of my breathing. How when you are afraid anxious your breathing becomes shallow and how by keeping calm, my breathing becomes deeper and I become more calm. Yoga breathing of ' inhale deeply, excel slowly' has helped me tremendously in my life. It helped me to remain calm and have 2 beautiful birthing experience, while I hear other mother screaming away in the other delivery rooms.

I never realized there are so many types of breathing until I went for my yoga teaching course.

If you need to choose one breathing technique, it's KEPALA BHATI

It is not complicated to do and yet, when done even for a short time consistently, it’s benefits are undeniable.  If there was only one pranayama that you have to choose, Kapalbhati might well be the one to pick – it’s that good!

Yoga never fail to challenge

The beauty of yoga is that the practice is infinite. There are always room for improvement.

Just when you think you have mastered a dream pose, there are more to it. It's endless.

Today, I went for vinyasa with another teacher called Guat. She is shorter than me and I am no way tall. I am only 1.58m. I think she is probably 1.45m but she is a powerhouse.

The lesson went ok with most poses I could execute with little challenge. I think she sensed it which is good because I always love being challenged with tough poses. She showed this seated pose where you lift your butt up and legs above but parallel to the ground with support of the hands.

I so must practice this pose.

A teacher never stops learning.

The day I videoed my practice

Last Friday, I did a home practice and this is the first time that I ever video my practice.

Friends say that it's good to video your practice, it's one way to improve.

A picture and now a video says a thousand words.

I agree.

The day I saw purple, blue and yellow hues

The past week I have decided to concentrate on my meditation. I decided that I should increase the duration each time and try to lessen the noise in my mind.

It is not an easy task as the mind is one of the hardest organ to control though we have heard of Descartes,"I think, therefore I am." Thoughts come in and out. I am aware of the thoughts. Once when I realize that I am pulled in, I remind myself to disassociate.

In many ways, to discipline the mind, I feel is to discipline our life. If you can pull yourself away from mindless gossips and self criticisms, we can move forward in life. Many times, we nag ourselves into thinking that we are less deserving of somethings, less strong, less talented, less flexible etc. I am also guilty of such thoughts. Most of us are. So I hope meditation will help to increase focus and bring out the best in me.

The past week I have seen some breakthrough in my meditation from 15 to 20 to 30 minutes.

I have also seen colors, purple, blue and yellow hues.

Once when I am within me! I feel so rested so secure.

I also find that I am more calm.

I am less agitated with the kids when they irritate me.

I am focus and more productive.

I hope to see further progress and self realization with it.

Looking forward to each meditation journey.

Today I saluted the sun.

I have never done a studio practice at 7.15am. But today I did.

I was determine to make it for the Hot Yoga class, simply because I have an appointment at 9.30am

It was an interesting class as the instructor included a lot of astanga poses.

I folded, I became a pretzel and I sweat a fair bit.

Overall my body was co-operative today in the morning. It was not too stiff.

After savasana, I just had to do a headstand to complete the morning practice.

It was a joyful morning practice with a whole new day waiting for me :-)

This time last year...

This time last year, I had to make a decision about my birthday present. Yes trivial isn't it? Every year about this time, hubby would ask me this question,

          “What do you want for your birthday?”

So do I want more of that material birthday present? I thought. Do I really need another handbag? Another jewellery? Another of something I already have?

For a few years I have had the desire to go for a yoga teacher training course. After returning to Singapore, the desire was even stronger as there are so many places that offer such course and getting around in Singapore is a no brainer. My fingers did the research online. I visited many yoga studios online, looking at the schedules, testimonials and locations. After countless visits, one place suited my schedule nicely and I really like the bohemian feel of the location. It was Tirisula Yoga.

However, one lingering apprehension still lingered in my mind. The course would start on 6th July 2013. Oh my! that means the course would be right smack in the middle of Ramadan, the Muslim fasting month. As I am a practicing Muslim, that would impact me! Can I take the physical demand of the practice as Astanga YOga is a real workout.

During the fasting month, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk. That would be about 5.30am to 7.20pm. During that time no food or liquid is allowed to be consumed and one has to abstain from any temptation of the flesh or mind. I was worried. Can my physical self take the punishing demand? For years during the fasting month, I would avoid going or practicing yoga. This apprehension lingered but at the same time I felt that I have to achieve something in 2013. My spirit won.

I made my way to Tirisula, spoke to Master Paalu about my apprehension. He gave me the assurance that if I find it physically demanding I could take it easy. On that day my life changed, I conquered fear.

On the third lesson, which is on the second week, fasting month started. I went about my primary series, going through all the asanas as perspiration trickled down my face. Its like being in a sauna. As my course mates take sips of water, I was pleasantly surprised that I was neither thirsty or unable to complete my full primary series. This went on for a full 8  lessons. After each weekend I was extremely thankful that I survived.

Many course mates were surprised when they realized that I was fasting. Many asked how I managed? I think the answer is in the predawn breakfast that I had such that I could sustain till dusk. This was my inexpensive diet during the fasting month to ensure that I would survive the practice.

1 EGGS-(I had an egg daily)

Egg protein is a rich source of the essential amino acid leucine, which is important in modulating the use of glucose by skeletal muscle and in facilitating muscle recovery after exercise. It has therefore been recommended that this would be advantageous to people undergoing endurance training.

2 BANANAS (1 banana)

Bananas contain three natural sugars – sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.

Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. The banana is the number one fruit with the world’s leading athletes.

3 DATES (2 dates)

As the body needs a certain amount of carbohydrates to function properly, one good source comes from dates.               The simple sugars of dates are easily digested and processed by the body, making them more beneficial than corn syrup or processed sugars.

4 ORANGES (1 orange)

Orange strengthens your emotional body, encouraging a general feeling of joy, well-being, and cheerfulness.    Although oranges are acidic before you digest them, they contain many alkaline minerals that help to balance out the body after they are digested. In this respect, they are similar to lemons which are one of the most alkaline foods available

5 LOTS OF WATER

The human body is anywhere from 55% to 78% water depending on body size. Drinking water regulates your body temperature. That means you’ll feel more energetic when doing exercises. Water also helps to fuel your muscle.

I am glad that I had the right nutrition. No expensive supplements, just regular food from the kitchen.  After the first try out of the above diet and I survived, I realized that my initial fear was unfounded. I am glad that I listened to my inner voice and went along with my gut feel to proceed in signing for the 200hr YOGA TTC. The experience was a wonderful one. While fasting, I felt lighter and more flexible. It has enriched me as a person. I am glad I won the battle of the will.

Sweat, toil and perseveration. I've made it!! My dream came true. I am now an certified YOga teacher after completing my 200hr Yoga Teacher Training Course. I have always wanted to be one. It happened on 21 October 2013.

So though my birthday present did not come in a nice box with ribbons, the intangible experience and knowledge I gained are worth much more

Head over Heels

Last Sunday, my girlfriends and I had a sleepover at East Ledang, Johor.

Its my first sleepover with my friends after 8 years.  We had a wonderful time chatting, laughing and just being girls.

We went for a massage, ate and celebrated a good friend's birthday.

The following day, I practiced at the balcony of the guest room.

It was a lovely day.

The sun was shining, the breeze caressed the skin. While my friends, there are 6 of us are in the kitchen below chatting animatedly, I unrolled my mat.

The aroma of breakfast being prepared and the banters I hear, warmed my heart. These are friends I knew since my early 20s.

With the vast clear sky and the beautiful surrounding, I dedicated my practice to friendship and greatful for the life that I have.